Unexplained Sensation of Movement in the Facial Area
I am a 27-year-old woman with no medications in my regimen and a history of significant hypermobility. I have a genetic test for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome scheduled for next month. I am reaching out for insights into what might be causing my ongoing discomfort. For nearly nine months, I have experienced a peculiar sensation of movement deep in my face that has become increasingly debilitating. The onset of my symptoms coincided with an incident nine months ago when I mistakenly consumed a cookie containing hazelnuts, to which I am severely allergic. The reaction was intense, resulting in violent vomiting (some of which was expelled through my nose) and a choking sensation. Following this, I developed severe pressure in my nasal and sinus area, leading to an urgent need to blow my nose, yet nothing was released. Despite multiple visits to the emergency room in the subsequent months, the medical team was unable to identify any underlying issues. Between January and March, I experienced shifting pressure sensations in my face along with significant nasal breathing difficulties. In April, I contracted two severe colds that lingered for a week each, during which I completely lost my ability to breathe through my nose. Subsequently, I began expelling large, dark chunks of mucus. In May, both the expulsion of these chunks continued and I began having visual disturbances, including frequent floaters and occasional double vision. By June, the black chunks had grown in size, resembling pieces of flesh, with some showing green tint, and while the volume of these expulsions decreased, I felt an increased sense of movement in my face. In July, I underwent a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) with turbinate reduction aimed at alleviating my breathing issues; the surgery improved my air passage but did not resolve the mystery of the black mucus. Post-surgery, the sensation of movement shifted closer to my throat, accompanied by feelings of globus sensation, which is the feeling of having something stuck in the throat. Now in August, the predominant issue is an intense sensation of movement within my facial structure, as if my sinuses are in constant motion. Occasionally, I feel a twitching sensation beneath my right eye and a zig-zag feeling near my jaw, which I can sometimes bite down on. Floaters persist in my vision, and while I no longer expel black chunks, I occasionally cough up dark gray mucus. During nasal rinsing, I sometimes encounter dark brown pieces, though this varies. I have undergone two MRIs (one with contrast) and two CT scans. The first CT scan showcased significant sinus opacification, yet the follow-up scan revealed none after the expulsion of the mucus. Interestingly, it appears my wisdom teeth are encroaching on my sinus cavities, and I have an extraction scheduled for next month. Is there anyone who can hypothesize potential causes for these symptoms? I feel like my doctors are at a loss and do not seem to prioritize finding a solution.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 2:22:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that you're experiencing complex and distressing symptoms involving a sensation of movement in your facial area, alongside a series of other concerning issues. Your conditions and history, including the severe allergic reaction and subsequent sinus surgery, add further complexity to your situation. This must be quite difficult for you, and it's important to address these concerns carefully.
Main Points:
- Possible Causes: The symptoms you're describing may be linked to a combination of sinus-related issues, musculoskeletal factors due to hypermobility, and possibly neurological elements.
- Monitoring Symptom Changes: It’s crucial to keep track of your symptoms and any changes, especially as you approach your dental surgery and genetic testing.
- Focus on Self-Care: While awaiting further medical evaluation, there are self-care steps you can take to help manage your symptoms.
Explanation:
Your allergic reaction likely triggered significant inflammation in your sinuses, leading to pressure and blockage. The sensation of movement could result from changes in sinus pressure or tension in nearby muscles, which can be influenced by your hypermobility. It's also possible that the visual disturbances and floaters may relate to stress or strain from compensatory behavior related to your facial discomfort. While details like black mucus are concerning and indicate possible infection or irritation, the resolution of some symptoms post-surgery is a positive sign.
Next Steps:
- Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, noting when they occur, any triggers, and their severity. This can help pprovide your healthcare provider valuable insights.
- Manage Hydration: Ensure you are staying well-hydrated to help thin mucus secretions and relieve some pressure. Use saline nasal sprays or rinses regularly, as they can help keep your nasal passages moist.
- Gentle Jaw Exercises: Given your description of sensations in your jaw, consider gently stretching and exercising your jaw (e.g., open and close or side-to-side movements) to relieve tension.
- Heat Application: Applying a warm compress over your sinuses and facial area may help reduce discomfort and promote circulation.
- Minimize Stress: Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or gentle yoga, may reduce overall tension and improve your perception of symptoms.
Please prioritize observing any severe changes or new symptoms that accompany your existing ones, which may warrant urgent medical review. Connecting with specialists in both ENT and neurology (considering the possibility of neurological aspects related to your symptoms) may also provide additional insights. I'm here if you have more questions or need further clarification on specific aspects.
Related Questions
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.
Concerns After Gallbladder Surgery (Three Weeks Post-Op) - Is It an Infection?
Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Location: United States Recent Medical History: Nearly three weeks have passed since my gallbladder removal surgery. Over the last few days, I've noticed a small amount of unclear fluid coming from the incision. I just observed what seems to be pus oozing from the surgical site. Although there is slight tenderness when I move or touch the area, it isn't painful. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor emanating from the wound. Should I continue to clean it with soap and water, or is it necessary for me to visit the emergency room for further evaluation?
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.